H2O #158: In Which We Discuss “The Other”

In recent weeks, we’ve been seeing a lot of back and forth about politics, and tolerance, and manners, and the Internet (where a lot of that plays out like a bad day on the kindergarten playground…). Which got us thinking about how science fiction generally plays with the self-examination of humanity through “The Other” — the alien, the robot, the mutant — that outsider who can take a look at us as a species and wonder just why we do the things we do. And comment on it.

Sometimes The Other is an outsider looking in, sometimes the proxy for a particular group or type of people. However the archetype is used in the narrative, there are plenty of examples of The Other in science fiction. Drop us a comment or e-mail and let us know your favorites!

About H2O:

Mr. Harvey and Mr. Hunt opine about various topics, ranging from comic book movies and science fiction themes in film and television, all the way to the meaning of life and the answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything.
Along the way, digressions will ensue. Some spoilers may abound. But you'll enjoy the conversation, worthy of a cup of coffee.
Share your thoughts with us with an e-mail.

Actor Mandela Van Peebles brings an interesting perspective on the movie industry, growing up in a renowned Hollywood family, and insights into his part in JIGSAW, the newest installment in the SAW horror franchise.